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25 April 2024
Introduction to the Fuse Dilemma
Fuse Curious? If you’re reading this, you’ll either be fuse-curious or fuse-cautious. Either way, from an electrical standpoint, the humble fuse is a bottleneck at the origin of your audio – power. This is why Future Shop now supplies the Merlin Tarantula power cords fitted with Quantum Science Audio Black fuses as standard, taking entry-level performance to the next level.
All the power that runs into your system passes through your power cables via that hair-width inch of conductive material. Fidelity is preserved by keeping the path as pure and unaffected as possible – from the wall socket to our ears.
Comparative Performance Analysis
We compared performance against offerings from AudioQuest: the Y3 and Z3, Wireworld Stratus 7, and even the mighty PS Audio AC3 power cables.
Test System and Recording Selections
Playback of two excellent recordings: Christine and the Queen’s, Tilted and George Michael’s, Different Corner (Symphonica Live) on our modest test system comprising the popular Roksan Kandy amplifier, Monitor Audio Gold 100 through a Furutech DAC, told us everything we needed to know about these outstanding cables.
Achieving Clean Power: The Tarantula’s Enhanced Listening Experience
The Award-winning Merlin Tarantula – now with the QSA Black fuse – was found to take the test system a significant first step toward the benefits of clean power. The cable, on its own, delivers a stronger sound over stock power cords and dispels the harshness we unknowingly accept from our systems. The addition of the QSA Black fuse adds excitement with smoother top-end performance and a dynamic, delicate touch, making this combination a pleasant listening experience against alternatives. George’s voice floats upon the rich underpinning of the accompaniment in the Royal Albert Hall while the electronic accents of Tilted had space to breathe.
Comparative Dynamics: Merlin Tarantula vs. AudioQuest, Wireworld & PS Audio AC3 Power Cables
Compared with AudioQuest’s offerings, the Merlin may be leaner but compensates with its inviting dynamics although AudioQuest’s Z3 cable surpasses the Merlin/QSA combination in depth and body, providing George and Christine’s tracks the scale needed. The Wireworld Status 7’s talent lies in its impressive clarity and top-end sparkle, focusing the sonority of Christine’s smoothly recorded voice.
Despite Merlin’s straightforward design, it’s remarkably easy to work with for a high-quality power cable. In contrast, the Wireworld owes much of its top-end sparkle to its impressively stiff, flat design. AudioQuest owes its robust sound to reassuringly heavier built construction; however, you’ll appreciate space and cable length to help manipulate these behind your equipment stand.
For its part against the PS Audio AC3, a firm Future Shop favourite, at twice the cost – the QSA fuse upgrades in Tarantula cables manage to sweeten the top in that way that QSA has earned their popularity.
The Verdict:
With a QSA fuse upgrade, the Merlin Tarantula matches and, in certain attributes, surpasses competing products. At a glance, it’s easy to overlook the Merlin’s practical design, but if looks are deceiving, the sound is not.
Whichever power cable you choose, the tested collection offers something for everyone. If further guidance is needed, we invite you to contact one of our experienced, industry-leading technical support team to help you make a lasting choice of power cable to complement your hi-fi setup.